Breast Augmentation
The breasts are a defining feminine feature of a woman’s body. They signify beauty, sexuality, and confidence. When breasts are smaller or shaped differently than desired, they can have a profound effect on how a woman sees herself and believes in herself. Thankfully, silicone breast augmentation with implants can enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.
From Dr. Pearl: “Breast augmentation is one of the most common aesthetic procedures I perform and achieves dramatic and beautiful results. It is amazing that less than one hour in the operating room can so dramatically change a woman’s appearance and how she feels about herself.”
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that adds fullness and volume to the breasts by placing a gummy cohesive gel silicone implant under the muscle of the chest. Dr. Pearl utilizes the “no touch technique” to create the breast pockets, minimizing post operative pain and ensuring a proper pocket for the implants.
The incisions are placed along the inframammary fold of the breasts. Dr. Pearl uses Keller funnels to minimize the length of the scars and to protect the implants from ever touching the skin. Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis.
There are several different reasons our patients choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some of these include small breast size; balancing breast size or correcting asymmetry; compensating for reduced breast volume after breastfeeding; and correction of congenital breast deformities such as tubular breasts. Regardless of why you might be considering this procedure, the following factors will help determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery:
- Good physical health (underlying medical conditions will be evaluated by Dr. Pearl prior to surgery).
- Understanding that too much skin laxity or breast ptosis may require you to
consider a breast lift with or without an implant. - Realistic expectations (Dr. Pearl will explain the surgery and your expected results to you in detail at your initial consultation).
- Healthy reasons for desiring breast augmentation. The procedure should be for you and not to please anyone else in your life.
- Willingness to take time off for recovery. Adequate recovery time will help reduce your risk of capsular contracture and infection.
Some of the benefits of breast augmentation with implants include the following:
- Breasts brought into proportion with the rest of your body profile.
- Creation of beautiful cleavage and fullness in the breasts.
- Restoration of breasts that have become deflated after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Symmetry of breasts that differ in size, shape or a combination of the two.
- Correction of mild to moderate breast ptosis without the need for mastopexies or a breast lift.
- Better fit to clothing, which in turn increases self-confidence in your appearance.
What People Say About Us!
"Dr. Pearl is amazing and skilled. I always leave their feeling better than I did when got there! His bedside manner is compared to no other! It’s not often a doctor will give you their cell phone number! His nurse Mary is nothing short of amazing herself! They are a power team! ❤️
Kimberly M."
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What Are the Types of Breast Implants Available?
Dr. Carl B. Pearl and his team at Chatham Plastic Surgery in Savannah, GA, work with patients to help them choose the right type of implant best for their breast augmentation procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeon can assist you with learning about each variety to decide which to place for you. The most common types include silicone, saline, and gummy bear implants. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, so do not hesitate to ask our team about each so you can ensure you make an educated decision regarding the implant type right for you!
Can I Get a Mammogram After I Have Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Unless you have had a mastectomy to remove your natural breast tissues, you should always see your primary care doctor regularly for mammograms. These regular screenings should be done to look for any signs of breast cancer that can develop with time. You can still have mammograms and are strongly encouraged to have them regularly, even if you have breast implants. Your technician can adjust the chest as needed to get the best possible image of the breasts, even with the breast implants in place.
Can I Still Breastfeed After I Have Breast Implants Placed?
There may be some issues with breastfeeding after having breast implants in place. Breast implants may inhibit the milk supply, so you may not be able to produce as much as you did before you had breast augmentation. The way in which the breast implant is placed within the chest wall and muscles can also play a significant role in whether or not you can breastfeed later on. If you are considering having children in the future, you need to bring this to the attention of Dr. Carl B. Pearl before your procedure so he can perform the augmentation in a way that increases your chances of breastfeeding in the future.
How Much Pain Will I Experience After the Procedure, and How Can I Manage It?
As with any surgical procedure, there will be recovery time needed to facilitate healing, and discomfort is common. The pain experienced after breast augmentation depends heavily on several factors, including your own pain tolerance levels and how the breast implant is placed in the body (under the muscle, over the muscle, etc.). In most instances, patients may use prescription-strength pain medications for a few days following their procedure to take the edge off any initial discomfort they may feel. Following post-operative instructions will also reduce the pain that may occur afterward.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Most breast implants will last about a decade or longer, with some patients enjoying their implants for 20 years or more. There are certain complications that may occur over time, including rupture or capsular contracture. If any of these concerns arise, it is critical that you connect with Dr. Carl B. Pearl to have your implants examined and determine if they need to be removed or replaced. Some of the more common symptoms you might notice if there is something wrong with your implant include pinched nerves, pain in or around the implant, abrupt physical pressure caused by rupture, or the falling of the implant, known as “bottoming out.” Breast implant movement and rotation should not occur and may be a sign of a shifted implant that needs to be addressed.
